How Daily Sunlight Makes You Feel Better (Florida vs New York Sunlight Comparison)

I moved from New York to Florida 3 years ago. A major factor in my reason for moving is because I found that I felt better with more daily sunlight which South Florida has an abundance of.

To avoid writing yet another article to illustrate the known fact that there is more daily sunlight in Florida than New York, I have decided to explain why getting a daily dose of sunlight can make one’s life better.

Let’s start by looking at why daily sunlight is very important to your body.

Sunlight Boosts Your Happiness: A study by the Mayo Clinic proves that people living in areas of low sunlight are very prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – a form of depression triggered by changing seasons. This is because sunlight (and a blend of darkness) releases serotonin, a hormone associated with boosting mood, focus and a calmness. Thus, one naturally becomes happier with frequent sunlight and depressed or sad with a lack of it.

Supply of Vitamin D: Vitamin D is very important for the creation and maintenance of bones. Amidst many other functions, It is also helps in the proper usage of calcium in the body. Vitamin D is provided freely by the sun and converted into useful forms by the body once absorbed. One needs only about 30 minutes per day in the sun to get the minimum sunlight required, which is not impossible for people in areas that often have snowfall and cold weather.

Cancer Prevention: According to Healthline, people living in areas with less daylight hours can be at a higher risk of certain cancers such as colon cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer. It is to be noted that too much sunlight is not recommended as it can lead to skin cancer and a more rapid appearance of aging.

Treatment of Skin And Other Conditions: Dermatologists and Doctors have recommended that direct access to UV radiation from the sun can treat conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne – to the right persons. In other instances, some persons with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease and thyroiditis may potentially be treated by sunlight.

Reduction of Aches And Pains: Your muscles and warmed by simply being in the sun. Warmed body muscles are likely to be eased of stiffness in parts of the body. The pains experienced by people with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis may also be reduced with adequate sunlight.

Boosts Fertility: Do you have some fertility issues? You may want to consider checking how much sunlight you receive in day. This is because the level of melatonin, the hormone that suppresses fertility, is reduced by sunlight. In the same way, testosterone levels in men are boosted in summer – when access to sunlight is higher. Low levels of sunlight in some women were reported to have made them reach menopause seven to nine years earlier.

Gives You More Energy: Having lower levels of melatonin may also increase one’s energy levels because this hormone also regulates sleep. Although one sleeps less in summer, they still feel livelier. You undoubtedly feel better waking up by the natural light of the sun than by an alarm.

Boosts Immune System: White blood cells are the body’s “soldiers” – fighting against several diseases and infections. The production of white blood cells is encouraged by sunlight. Thus, you are boosting your immune system by getting enough daily sunlight.

Helps Assist Weight Loss: Another major benefit of serotonin, which is enhanced by adequate sunlight, is that it reduces your appetite. Nonetheless, perspiring while in the sun is a good sign that some calories are being burned.

Reduces Heart Disease And Diabetes: You are more likely to die of heart disease in winter than in summer due to the increased Vitamin D production. Cholesterol levels also rise in winter for the same reason – low levels of Vitamin D. Access to the right amount of Vitamin D can also prevent the onset of Type I diabetes while greatly reducing the risk of getting Type II Diabetes.

There are a lot of reasons why you may want to consider moving to Florida. At least for your health’s sake. If this article has you considering the move, check out the table below to find your new home town. Source: Current Results.

I realize now that sunlight is a major factor in why I feel better now than I did in New York 3 years ago. Let me enjoy the fruit thereof in having abundant sunlight in a state like Florida. I will be careful not to stay in the sun too long.

I am more complex than it appears. I am a Fox News watching Libertarian conservative that deeply values the idea of capitalism, Laissez Faire economics, and strong military. And on the other hand, my favorite book is Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, and my favorite music is the Grateful Dead. So reconciling, my conservative values with my counterculture roots is interesting . I enjoy taking long walks on Fort Lauderdale Beach with my Goldendoodles, Otis and Brady, when I am not actively working as a bond portfolio manager at Las Olas Wealth Management of Nat Alliance Securities LLC. I am a terrible golfer, who prefers the tennis court any day of the week. I am the lucky father of three teenagers and happily married for over 20 years.

Dean Myerow

I am more complex than it appears. I am a Fox News watching Libertarian conservative that deeply values the idea of capitalism, Laissez Faire economics, and strong military. And on the other hand, my favorite book is Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, and my favorite music is the Grateful Dead. So reconciling, my conservative values with my counterculture roots is interesting . I enjoy taking long walks on Fort Lauderdale Beach with my Goldendoodles, Otis and Brady, when I am not actively working as a bond portfolio manager at Las Olas Wealth Management of Nat Alliance Securities LLC. I am a terrible golfer, who prefers the tennis court any day of the week. I am the lucky father of three teenagers and happily married for over 20 years.